Mechanisms of hepatitis E virus persistence and immunopathology in immunocompromised patients (A06)

The project will follow up on HEV-specific CD8 T cell failure in chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in immunosuppressed patients. A06 will determine HEV-specific CD8 T cell phenotypes and transcription profiles and relate them to clinical parameters. Data integration and data modeling will serve as a basis to: a) optimize management of chronic HEV infection (choice of immunosuppression, timing of antiviral therapy), b) predict sustained HEV clearance and required ribavirin treatment duration, c) predict the risk of re-infection and d) to prevent liver failure in patients failing antiviral therapy by using immune-based treatment strategies for chronic HEV infection.

DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres

Subproject of SFB 1160:  Immune-mediated pathology as a consequence of impaired immune reactions (IMPATH)

Applicant Institution Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Project Head Professor Dr. Christoph Neumann-Haefelin